Hansi Flick was ‘captivated’ by one Barcelona star from very first training session

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was left nothing short of amazed by both the talents and commitment of key attacker Raphinha from his first day on the bench in Catalunya’s capital this summer.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who have on Thursday provided an insight into the situation.

Wide-man Raphinha, for his part, is of course in the midst of what has proven a superb opening to the 2024/25 campaign.

Looking like a player reborn on the back of constant summer transfer links, the Brazilian has dazzled both in a central role, and out wide on the left.

As much has given rise to a haul of 11 direct goal contributions across all competitions, by way of six goals, and five assists.

Raphinha’s upturn in fortunes must be credited in no small part to the aforementioned Hansi Flick, who has made use of a style of play much more suited to the 27-year-old’s characteristics than predecessor Xavi.

And, as alluded to above, it did not take at all long for the latest installation in the Barcelona dugout to realise just what a special player he had on his hands.

As per a report from Sport:

‘Raphinha won over Flick from the very first training session, doing absolutely everything that was asked of him at the Ciutat Esportiva. He was captivated, not only because of Raphinha’s football abilities, but because of his total commitment to the project.’

Conor Laird – GSFN